Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): A rally organized by anti-immigration activists at Christie Pits Park turned tense, as a significantly larger group of counter-protesters arrived to denounce the event, leading to scuffles and multiple arrests.
The demonstration, dubbed the “Canada First Patriot Rally,” was spearheaded by Joe Anidjar, a self-identified nationalist and online personality known by the handle @PuckDaddy93. Promoted as a patriotic, family-friendly gathering, the rally called for sharp restrictions on immigration, mass deportations, and what organizers referred to as “remigration”—a term critics link to extremist ideologies in Europe.
Although organizers expected a strong turnout, the rally drew an estimated 100 to 300 attendees. They carried Canadian flags, chanted nationalist slogans, and sang the national anthem before attempting to march through the park.
Counter-Protesters Far Outnumber Rally Participants
Well before the rally began, counter-protesters—comprising anti-racist activists, union members, and pro-immigration advocates—gathered in large numbers. Chanting slogans like “Nazi-free since ’33,” a nod to the infamous Christie Pits riot of 1933, they surrounded the rally and disrupted its proceedings.
Footage from the scene captured confrontations between the two groups, with shouting matches escalating into physical altercations. At least one early arrest was made after a clash between an alleged Antifa member and a rally participant. By the end of the afternoon, Toronto police had arrested 10 individuals on charges related to assault and disturbing the peace. Officials said arrests were made on both sides, but details about charges have yet to be released.
Heavy Police Presence as Tensions Rise
Toronto Police deployed a substantial force to manage the demonstration, forming barricades and separating groups as tensions rose. Officers on bicycles and horseback patrolled the area, attempting to maintain order as verbal exchanges occasionally flared into brief skirmishes.
No serious injuries were reported, though several participants were seen being treated for minor bruises and cuts. The rally was eventually disbanded under police supervision, with Canada First attendees leaving the park amid chants from the opposition crowd.
Organizers Defiant Despite Pushback
Despite being outnumbered and disrupted, Anidjar remained defiant. Addressing his followers before departing, he criticized what he called “two-tier policing” and accused authorities of siding with counter-protesters. He later posted a video online claiming the rally was a “success” for raising awareness and vowed to continue organizing similar events.
Anidjar also drew parallels between his movement and far-right protests abroad, citing a rally held the same day in London by British activist Tommy Robinson.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “We are standing up for Canada’s future and identity.”
